Youth Development Specialist

Youth Development Specialist

Are you passionate about empowering young people to achieve their educational, career, and personal goals? Queens Community House (QCH) is a multi-site nonprofit organization serving more than 30,000 children, youth, adults, and older adults across Queens. Our mission is to provide individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities.

We are seeking a compassionate, organized, and motivated Youth Development Specialist to provide individualized case management, academic support, career guidance, and post-secondary planning for high school students participating in our youth development programs. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys building meaningful relationships with young people and helping them prepare for success beyond high school.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of up to 45 students.
• Conduct a minimum of two individual counseling sessions per month with each student, including academic progress and career advisement.
• Assist students in developing and implementing individualized post-secondary plans for college, vocational training, military service, or employment.
• Complete Soft Skills Assessments and monitor student progress.
• Conduct attendance outreach, including phone calls, home visits, and worksite visits as needed.
• Build positive relationships with parents and guardians to support student success.
• Connect students and families with appropriate QCH and community resources.
• Assist eligible students with the CUNY, SUNY, Trade School, and FAFSA application processes, referring students to College and Career Pathways services when appropriate.
• Complete required graduate follow-up at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after program completion.

Program Administration

• Maintain accurate and timely case notes and student records in Salesforce and the New Visions Portal.
• Monitor attendance and document interventions.
• Assist in coordinating workshops, college trips, career fairs, awareness events, and student activities.
• Meet bi-weekly with your supervisor to review student progress and program goals.

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Develop and facilitate engaging counseling lessons and co-facilitate advisory sessions with DOE staff.
• Collaborate closely with school personnel, community partners, and fellow QCH staff.
• Participate in cross-site meetings to share best practices and improve programming.
• Attend professional development opportunities to strengthen counseling and youth development skills.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in QCH staff meetings, trainings, and agency-wide events.
• Attend occasional evening, after-school, and weekend activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Youth Development, Human Services, or a related field required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth in a school, nonprofit, or community-based setting.
• Strong counseling, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse youth, families, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data management systems.
• Experience with Salesforce or similar databases is preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred.

Why Join Queens Community House?

At QCH, you'll become part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for individuals and families throughout Queens. We value collaboration, innovation, diversity, and professional growth while making a meaningful impact every day.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Contributions
• Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Holidays)
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• New York Paid Family Leave Supplement
• Opportunities for Career Growth and Advancement

Queens Community House is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.